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2024-09-22 08:21:10

Dan Henderson

American retired MMA fighter and Olympic wrestler.
American retired MMA fighter and Olympic wrestler.

Daniel Henderson, a former Olympic wrestler, was the last Strikeforce Light Heavyweight Champion and the only double champion in Pride FC history. He held multiple titles in different weight classes and was known for his achievements in various tournaments.

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1970-08-24
Daniel Jeffery Henderson Born

Daniel Jeffery Henderson, an American retired mixed martial artist and Olympic wrestler, was born on August 24, 1970. He achieved numerous championships and titles in his MMA career, becoming a significant figure in the sport.

1987
Dan Henderson's Success in High School Wrestling

Dan Henderson achieved success in high school wrestling, earning medals at the California State Wrestling Championships in 1987 and 1988. He was a key member of the 1987 Victor Valley High School wrestling team state champions.

1988
USA Junior National Freestyle and Greco Roman Champion

Dan Henderson achieved the titles of USA Junior National Freestyle and Greco Roman Champion in 1988.

1990
FILA Junior World Greco Roman Champion

In 1990, Dan Henderson became the FILA Junior World Greco Roman Champion.

1991
Dan Henderson wins University National Championship

Dan Henderson achieved victory in the University National Championship in 1991 while representing his college.

1992-07
Dan Henderson's Participation in 1992 Summer Olympics

Dan Henderson represented the United States in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 1992 Summer Olympics, showcasing his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport on the global stage.

1993
Dan Henderson becomes National Champion at Senior Level

Dan Henderson claimed the title of National Champion at the senior level in 1993, demonstrating his prowess in wrestling.

1994
Dan Henderson becomes National Champion at Senior Level

In 1994, Dan Henderson achieved the prestigious title of National Champion at the senior level, solidifying his position as a top wrestler.

1996-07
Dan Henderson's Participation in 1996 Summer Olympics

Dan Henderson competed in Greco-Roman wrestling for the United States at the 1996 Summer Olympics, demonstrating his skills and commitment as an Olympic-level athlete.

1997-06-15
Dan Henderson's Pro Debut

Dan Henderson made his professional debut in MMA on June 15, 1997.

1998-05-15
Dan Henderson's Octagon Debut

Dan Henderson made his debut in the octagon on May 15, 1998.

1999-12
Rings: King of Kings Tournament Victory

Dan Henderson won the Rings: King of Kings Tournament in 1999 by defeating notable competitors such as Gilbert Yvel, Antônio Rodrigo Nogueira, and Renato Sobral. Despite being outweighed by more than 30 pounds, Henderson emerged as the champion after winning all five of his fights.

2000
Dan Henderson in PRIDE Fighting Championships

In 2000, Dan Henderson started competing in PRIDE Fighting Championships and became the first fighter to simultaneously hold titles in two different weight classes in a major MMA organization.

2005-12-31
Pride Shockwave 2005 Welterweight Tournament Victory

Dan Henderson won the Welterweight tournament at Pride Shockwave 2005 by defeating Murilo Bustamante in a split decision. Henderson also knocked out Ryo Chonan and Akihiro Gono in the opening rounds of the tournament.

2007-02-24
Pride 33 Middleweight Championship Victory

Dan Henderson became the Middleweight Champion at Pride 33 by scoring a knockout victory against Wanderlei Silva. This victory made him the first fighter to hold titles in two different weight classes simultaneously in a major MMA organization.

2008-03-01
UFC 82 Loss to Anderson Silva

Dan Henderson faced UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva at UFC 82 to unify the Pride welterweight and UFC middleweight championships. Despite winning the first round, Henderson lost via submission in the second round by rear naked choke.

2008-09-06
Victory over Rousimar Palhares at UFC 88

Dan Henderson achieved his first UFC victory by defeating Rousimar Palhares at UFC 88 with a unanimous decision.

2009-01-17
Fight against Rich Franklin at UFC 93

Dan Henderson faced Rich Franklin at UFC 93 in Dublin, Ireland, winning via split decision after an eye-poke incident.

2009-07-11
Dan Henderson faces Michael Bisping at UFC 100

In July 11, 2009, Dan Henderson faced his coaching counterpart, Michael Bisping, on the main card of UFC 100. He won the fight via devastating knockout and earned the KO of the Night Award.

2009-12-05
Signing with Strikeforce

Dan Henderson signed a deal with Strikeforce after his UFC contract expired, making his debut against Jake Shields on April 17, 2010.

2010-04-17
Strikeforce - Nashville

Dan Henderson lost to Jake Shields by unanimous decision after five rounds.

2010-12-04
Henderson vs. Sobral at Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu

Dan Henderson faced Renato Sobral on December 4, 2010, at Strikeforce: Henderson vs. Babalu. Henderson emerged victorious with a knockout win in the first round.

2011-02-28
Litigation over Team Quest Trademark

As of February 28, 2011, Dan Henderson is in litigation over the Team Quest trademark with former teammate Matt Lindland.

2011-03-05
Strikeforce - Feijao vs. Henderson

Dan Henderson won against Rafael Cavalcante by TKO with punches in the third round.

2011-07-30
Henderson vs. Emelianenko at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson

Henderson fought Fedor Emelianenko on July 30, 2011, at Strikeforce: Fedor vs. Henderson. Despite speculation about a catch weight, the fight was confirmed as a heavyweight bout. Henderson won via KO in the 1st round.

2011-11-18
Dan Henderson's Willingness to Fight Worthy Opponents

On November 18, 2011, it was reported that Dan Henderson is willing to wait for a UFC title shot as long as he faces formidable adversaries like Shogun Rua.

2011-11-19
Henderson vs. Rua at UFC 139

Henderson faced Maurício Rua on November 19, 2011, at UFC 139. He secured a victory through a unanimous decision in a memorable fight that earned Fight of the Night honors.

2012-09-01
Henderson vs. Jones at UFC 151

Henderson was set to face Jon Jones on September 1, 2012, at UFC 151 for the Light Heavyweight Championship. However, Henderson had to withdraw due to a knee injury, leading to the cancellation of the entire event.

2013-02-23
Henderson vs. Machida at UFC 157

Henderson faced Lyoto Machida on February 23, 2013, at UFC 157. He suffered a loss via split decision in the bout.

2013-06-15
UFC 161 - Evans vs. Henderson

Rashad Evans fought Dan Henderson in a Light Heavyweight match at UFC 161. Henderson secured a KO victory with a head kick in the first round.

2013-11-09
Rematch between Dan Henderson and Vitor Belfort at UFC Fight Night 32

Dan Henderson faced Vitor Belfort in a rematch at UFC Fight Night 32, where Henderson defeated Belfort in their first encounter in 2006. However, in this rematch, Henderson lost the fight via knockout in the first round, marking the first time in his MMA career that he had been stopped due to strikes.

2014-01-22
Dan Henderson signs a new six-fight contract with the UFC

Dan Henderson revealed to UFC Tonight that he signed a new, six-fight contract with the UFC, marking a new chapter in his career.

2014-03-23
Rematch between Dan Henderson and Maurício Rua at UFC Fight Night 38

Despite losing the first two rounds, Dan Henderson rallied back in the third round and won the fight via TKO due to punches against Maurício Rua, earning himself bonuses and a memorable victory.

2014-05-24
UFC 173 - Barao vs. Dillashaw

Dan Henderson won against Daniel Cormier by technical submission with a rear-naked choke in the third round.

2015-01-24
UFC on Fox 14 - Gustafsson vs. Johnson

Dan Henderson lost to Gegard Mousasi by TKO with punches in the first round.

2015-06-06
Dan Henderson wins against Tim Boetsch at UFC Fight Night 68

In the main event at UFC Fight Night 68, Dan Henderson won the fight via knockout in just 28 seconds of the first round, demonstrating his striking prowess.

2015-11-07
UFC Fight Night 77 - Belfort vs. Henderson

Dan Henderson lost to Vitor Belfort by knockout with punches in the second round.

2016-06-04
Dan Henderson wins against Héctor Lombard at UFC 199

Dan Henderson faced Héctor Lombard at UFC 199 and won the fight via knockout in the second round with a spectacular combination, earning himself a Performance of the Night bonus.

2016-06-05
Henderson vs Lombard UFC Fight

On June 5, 2016, Dan Henderson faced Hector Lombard in a UFC fight. Henderson won the match by KO/TKO in the second round.

2016-10-08
Rematch between Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping at UFC 204

In a rematch against Michael Bisping at UFC 204, Dan Henderson displayed his skills but ultimately lost via unanimous decision. The fight was intense and both fighters were awarded Fight of the Night.

2018-07-05
Dan Henderson inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame

Dan Henderson was inducted into the Fight Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame at the UFC Fan Expo on July 5, 2018, alongside Maurício Rua, recognizing his contributions to the sport.

2021-09
Dan Henderson's Retirement from Professional MMA

In September 2021, Dan Henderson announced his retirement from professional MMA competition, leaving behind a lasting legacy and influence in the sport that continues to be felt by fans and fighters alike.

2022
Induction as Fellow to National Academy of Inventors

In 2022, Henderson was honored by being inducted as a Fellow to the National Academy of Inventors, recognizing his significant contributions to the field of invention.

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Dan Henderson
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